Saturday car parking charges suspended

Aberdeenshire Council has suspended car parking charges on Saturdays in most Shire towns in the run up to Christmas.

This is in advance of the implementation of permanent changes, which will take place in the near future, to include a permanent free parking period in our pay and display car parks.

New machines and the installation of new tariffs in car parks has been delayed owing to issues with updating software, so from now until December 10 the new machines are being installed shire-wide.

Banchory and Mid Deeside Councillor Karen Clark said: “I was delighted to see that on Saturday, when I arrived at Bellfield car park, I could park free.

“The fact the council has waived parking charges for the Saturdays on the run up to Christmas will be much appreciated and hopefully encourage more people to come and do their shopping in Banchory which has a great variety of shops. A goodwill gesture from the council like this will spread a bit of festive spirit and provide a boost for our local businesses.”

Banchory and Mid Deeside Councillor, Provost Jill Webster has welcomed the authority’s show of goodwill, which extends to Banchory.

Cllr Webster said: “The ease and cost of parking has a direct bearing on the attractiveness of our of our towns as convenient and enjoyable places to shop...I am pleased that we have taken a decision to offer free parking in our car parks for the remaining Saturdays prior to Christmas.

“Shoppers will be able to park with ease with no charge and this will be an incentive to visit our local shops in Banchory and other local town centres.

This also supports Small Business Saturday this weekend and helps the Shop Local, Eat Local, Play Local campaign the Deeside Piper has been supporting.”